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Tigers' Omar Infante: On his way to Triple-A

by RotoWire Staff | RotoWire

Infante will report to Triple-A Toledo after not making Detroit's Opening Day roster, Jason Beck of MLB.com reports.

After he was assigned to minor league camp late in spring training, Infante was expected to explore other big league opportunities. However, it appears that no opportunities came to fruition, which likely played a role in convincing the veteran infielder to give it another go in the Tigers' minor league organization. Infante should provide Detroit with a solid source of experienced organizational infield depth.

Infante will likely opt out of his minor league deal Sunday, Evan Woodbery of MLive.com reports.

The veteran infielder rejoined the Tigers as a non-roster invitee this offseason and showed that he still had some life in his bat, slashing .349/.364/.535 over 43 at-bats. However, the Tigers have one of the most durable second basemen in baseball in Ian Kinsler and younger players like Dixon Machado likely offer a bit more upside as a bench option. Woodbery adds that Infante will likely re-sign with the Tigers on another minor league pact if there are no other suitors once he opts out.

Infante (back) has been deemed good to go for Wednesday's Grapefruit League game against the Blue Jays, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Infante isn't included in the lineup Wednesday, but should be available off the bench as a pinch-hitter or defensive replacement. The veteran second baseman has enjoyed a fairly productive spring, but he's not expected to crack the Tigers' Opening Day roster.

Infante was scratched from Monday's lineup with back stiffness, Chris McCosky of The Detroit News reports.

Infante felt something stiffen in his back while taking BP before the game, so the Tigers have swapped him out of the lineup. It's unclear how long this will keep him sidelined, so consider him day-to-day until the Tigers note otherwise.

The veteran infielder is slashing .353/.389/.471 this spring, but with Andrew Romine and Dixon Machado in tow, Infante seems to be the odd man out when it comes to reserve infield spots. However, this strong spring showing could act as a springboard to a major league job with another club, although he'll likely have to settle for an organizational depth role until that opportunity comes along.